Note: The spoken Chinese Mandarin language has 4 spoken tones. We have attempted to re-create those below where after each syllable we tell you (1), (2), (3), or (4) as they correspond to each of the 4 tones. We encourage you to complement your Xianzai.com Emergency Chinese newsletter with a good offline study program.

NEW WORDS
Cut: jian(3)
Short: duan(3)
Long: chang(2)
Fringe: liu(2) hai(3)
Side-burns: luo(4) sai(1) hu(2)
Shave: gua(1) lian(3)

LESSON

• I would like a haircut please.
  wo(3) yao(4) jian(3) tou(2) fa.
  
• Please cut my hair short.
  qing(3) ba(3) wo(3) de tou(2) fa(4) jian(3) duan(3).
  
• Don't cut too much off thanks.
  bu(2) yao(4) jian(3) de tai(4) duo(3). xie(4) xie(4).
  
• Just cut the fringe please.
  qing(3) zhi(3) jian(3) liu(2) hai(3).
  
• Can I get a shave here?
  wo(3) ke(3) yi(3) zai(4) zhe(4) er gua(1) lian(3) ma?

* Tip: Having a haircut is always a good way to reward yourself and relax. From the leisurely hair-wash, to the massage, gossiping with the barber and finishing with a brand new image.

Getting a haircut in the large Chinese cities involves making a choice: going to one of the fashionable salons for the full treatment or sitting at the roadside for a more traditional approach. Either way, a haircut in China is always an interesting experience.